Jive Talkin’: The Most Controversial Musician Quotes Of All Time

Eric Clapton

Lana Del Rey

Donna Summer

Michael Jackson

Amy Winehouse

Yusef Islam Cat Stevens

Gene Simmons

HOLLYWOOD – APRIL 17: Actor attends the premiere screening and party for TCM’s “Brando” at the Egyptian Theater on April 17, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

50 Cent

Kanye West

Ted Nugent

David Bowie

John Lennon

Shirley Manson

John Mayer

Morrissey

Big egos, big ideas, and big global presence mean that when musicians have something to say, they’re not only quick to run their mouths, their words spread across the pop culture consciousness like wildfire. From racist slurs to homophobic comments and even weighing in on politics, being a musician (to some) is a mandate to just say senseless stuff. From John Mayer’sracist Johnson to Shirley Manson’sprimitive desires, these celebrities have given us some of the most controversial quotes of our time.

Even David Bowie gets in on the game, likening rock musicians to Hitler, while John Lennon proclaims that rock is bigger than Christianity. And if you thought that was way-out, wait until you hear what Cat Stevens had to say about Salman Rushdie, and how Lana Del Rey feels about life…